Is Caffeine Safe for Pregnant Women?

You don’t have to give up your morning cup of coffee if you are pregnant.

Determining if all caffeine should be avoided by all pregnant women is difficult to determine. Prenatal and maternal health is important for the health of the mother as well as the developing fetus. Infant and maternal mortality rates in the US have increased and in many cases the deaths were preventable.

Maternal caffeine consumption is related to lower birth weight and most studies recommend limiting caffeine intake. Many of the studies were looking at coffee consumption, though caffeine can be present in other beverages and foods and should be carefully monitored. 

Studies show that keeping caffeine intake to below 300 mg per day or 1 to 2 cups of brewed coffee is not a concern.

Substituting green tea for coffee. Green tea has half the caffeine and has antioxidants as well as immune boosting properties.

What we do know is that high caffeine intake can restrict blood flow in the placenta affecting fetal growth. Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic,and can cause dehydration. Dehydration can cause the amniotic fluid and influence baby development as well as preterm labor. Pregnant women need to stay well hydrated.

Caffeine does cross the placenta and goes to the fetus, and clearance of caffeine from the body slows during pregnancy. 

Though there is very limited data as to whether caffeine alone negatively impacts fetal development.  Studies show the effects of maternal dehydration can reduce blood and oxygen to the fetus can also decrease fetal heart rate.  

Each pregnancy is different and for women that are in the higher risk category of pregnancy with a tendency for high blood pressure should eliminate stimulants such as caffeine that increase blood pressure. 

Caffeine can also aggravate acid reflux, cause rapid heart rate, anxiety and trouble sleeping.  

Essential Self care with Self Breast Massage

Self Breast Massage is an important part of self care.

A massage is something that needs to be recognized as having great therapeutic value. Even going for massage as “pampering” will help the immune system by stimulating the nervous system. A breast massage is something that is generally not offered in a massage session because it is considered intimate touch. In the US, breast massage is considered illegal in most states with a few exceptions. 

This can make both the receiver of breast massage and the therapist feel a bit awkward and the need for very clear communication, boundaries, consent and trust.

A therapist can teach you how to do breast massage for yourself and it is a wonderful self care practice.

A breast massage as a health practice needs more attention because the breasts contain glandular tissue, lymph nodes, blood vessels, nerves, ligaments and ducts. This area of the body is a meeting point on the body but does not have a muscle to help with lymph circulation. Pectoral muscles are under the breast.

• Breast massage helps to improve lymph flow, the lymph nodes in the breasts are directly connected to lymph nodes in the armpits and close to the subclavian vein where a  lymphatic vessel drains. 

• Lymph glands collect fluid, waste material and things like viruses and bacteria that are in the body tissue outside of the bloodstream known as metabolic waste. This needs to be eliminated. 

• Doing regular breast massage also helps with swelling that may be uncomfortable during certain times in a woman’s cycle which can be tender and painful.

• Help to identify possible lumps or dense tissue that may need attention.

• Relieve muscle tension in the chest. The breasts have ligaments and connective tissue that connects to the chest muscles such as pectoralis major and pectoralis minor. This connective tissue is also what gives the breasts their shape.Massage will help to relax the muscles of the chest that get very tight because we do almost all our activities like typing and lifting etc. in the front of our bodies.

• Relieve Mastitis, which is inflammation of the ducts in the breast, studies show women with mastitis have a higher risk of breast cancer.

• Relieve clogged milk ducts during breastfeeding.

• Post mastectomy swelling.

Self breast massage:

Seated 

• Situate yourself and be seated with one hand above and one below the breast cupping it. Give a gentle squeeze and feel all around the circumference of the breast. You may notice there are areas that are more dense or sensitive. 

• Massage back and forth and around keeping support of the breast. With the opposite hand e.g. right hand on top of left breast and chest with pressure move towards the left shoulder across the pectoral muscles. The left hand is supporting the breast. When you get to the armpit, grab the pectoralis muscle at the armpit and squeeze gently and massage, this is called “milking” the muscle. The fingertips will be in the armpit under the pectoralis muscle and the palm and thumb are on top of the pectoralis muscle. Do this a few times and then switch to the other side.

• Most women may feel sensitive as this area of the body does not get a lot of attention. 

• With both hands do gentle circles with the fingertips under the collar bone starting mid body and move outward toward the shoulder. This is where the subclavian muscle is and also where lymph drains.

• Massaging from the middle of the chest (breast bone) outward will help to relax the pectoral muscles and move fluid that may be on the centerline.

• Be gentle and use less pressure, the area tends to be sensitive.

Lying down 

• Raise one arm over your head and let it relax, if it is uncomfortable support it with a pillow. 

• You can use some coconut oil or sunflower oil as a lubricant, massage each breast one at a time starting in a circular motion from the nipple to until you are on the outer edge of the breast and stroke upwards towards the armpit. 

• Do this several times then switch to the other side.

How can ginger and ginger tea be beneficial for your health?

Ginger tea can improve your digestion and support you immune system.

Drinking ginger tea has many health benefits, in addition to being caffeine free ginger has many medicinal properties. Helping with nausea and settling an upset stomach are only some of the benefits.

Ginger (root) tea has great antioxidant properties and has shown to have anticancer potential. 

Ginger can help fight colds and bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Together with some lemon and honey it is a powerful addition for a cold remedy.

Pain relief from osteoarthritis in the knee.

Improve heart health by lowering cholesterol lowering and lowering blood pressure.

Ginger is an aromatic spice and comes from the zingiberaceae family that includes turmeric and cardamom. Ginger is used in food and drink for flavor and medicine because they can the stomach and in It was one of the first spices to make its way to Europe during the spice trade.

Chinese cuisine: You will always find a little ginger and garlic blending flavors and it will assist in digestion and overall health.

Chinese Medicine: Ginger (Sheng Jiang) is found in most of Chinese herbal formulas together with licorice because of its effect on the gastrointestinal system. It helps to improve the delivery of medicine by helping with digestion and absorption.   

Ginger has so many health benefits and can easily become part of your immune boosting toolkit.

Re-opening Let the Healing Begin!

Healing on so many levels needs to Begin!

Officially we have been given the okay to open up as of June 1, 2020.

But first, I want to address the re-entry anxiety that ALL of us are feeling now, which should not be ignored. As a healer, it was difficult knowing that I could help so many people relieve their pain, stress, anxiety and improve their sleep with acupuncture, but the quarantine restrictions made that unfeasible.

The horrific violence in Minneapolis, protest and major civil unrest around the US, has shaken us to the core of our being. Fear and anxiety have reached new highs and is affecting your immune system.

Healing on so many levels needs to begin.

I am here for you.

I want to assure you that I take supporting your health and wellbeing very seriously.We will be taking extra measures to make sure when coming to our office you feel safe and we both are responsible for our health. You will be asked a brief intake-questionnaire that you can fill out about your health since our last sessions or we can do it over the phone.

We will be taking extra measures to make sure when coming to our office you feel safe and we both are responsible for our health. You will be asked a brief intake-questionnaire that you can fill out about your health since our last sessions or we can do it over the phone.

Here are the measures we will be taking:

• I will be wearing KN95 masks and ask that you plan to wear a mask or covering as well into the office. Please feel free to wear your own (of any kind) during treatment or I will supply you with a surgical mask.

• I will have a contactless thermometer to check if you or I are running a fever we are unaware of.

• When lying face down you are welcome to remove the mask at your discretion knowing there could be an increased risk of exposure.

• I have been thoroughly trained in clean needle and practice technique and will be disinfecting all surfaces in between patients with medical grade disinfectants. Including table, headrest, all metal surfaces, door handles and waiting room chairs. The table and props surfaces are designed to handle the sanitization properly.

• There will be hand sanitizer upon entry. Please use and then proceed to the sink (located in the kitchen area) and wash your hands as well.

• I will be washing my hands throughout the day and in between patients.

• I will not be reintroducing linens during this re-opening phase. I will have the heat lamp for use and disposable mylar heat blankets that you may keep and bring back for re-use. Please feel free to bring extra layers to keep you warm if you prefer.

• I am comfortable with continuing massage techniques and therapeutic touch at the level you are, which we can discuss together each treatment.

• I will be leaving 30 minutes between each patient for cleaning and disinfecting and ask that you arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your appointment. Thankfully it is getting warmer out so I hope the park will be a place to rest and wait beforehand.

• I will have an air purifier to clean and circulate the room air, and the office already has a heavy-duty exhaust system installed that I will run in between sessions.

• I will be diffusing an essential oil blend called OnGuard to further protect us both. Please feel free to ask me to turn off if you prefer. I won’t be offended.

• I will be walking to the office to keep social distancing when ever possible.

Providing the best service for you and supporting your health!

Tsao

What are the Most Important Health Issues for Men to Address in their Lives that Pertain to Personal Wellness?

The key to excellent health for both men and women is to adopt a whole health perspective that addresses diet, exercise, stress management, environment, relationships and spirituality. There are areas that affect men's and need attention.

Men tend to ignore aches and pains and rarely get regular check ups. Ideas around masculinity and health contributes to the increased number of men in their 40’s having heart attacks, that could have been prevented.

Friendship and Community to Combat Loneliness: In an ever expanding world, of working from home, isolation is on the rise and with it loneliness. Loneliness is a big problem in the US, in fact it is considered an epidemic.  This can be especially serious for men's mental health. When under stress, men tend to withdraw socially and that can lead to depression and more isolation; a vicious circle. Statistics show than men are four times more likely to take their own lives than females and represent 78% of all suicides. The cultural paradigm of boys not crying or that being a “man” is putting on a brave face can lead to not acknowledging  which leads to not seeking help. Having a support system of friends, family or partners that men can feel safe and not judged is important. Activities that are geared towards collaboration and giving back to the community can create a sense of accomplishment and connect to something greater. E.g habitat for humanity, church or religious community activities, learning a new skill such as bread making.

Sleep: Studies show that people who don’t get enough sleep or deep sleep have lowered immune functioning. This is because during sleep our body produces cytokines, a type of protein that targets infection and inflammation. There are many other health risks associated with lack of sleep such as heart disease, diabetes and depression.

Poor sleep can impair cognitive function and just one night of missed sleep causes a toxic build up of beta amyloid, this protein is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Not taking stress seriously: Many say, “I’m not stressed if I don’t ‘feel it’.” Men in particular may not think they are experiencing stress unless it is something big, like a life event or something they can’t “handle”. So when they experience back pain, digestive problems, fatigue, weight gain, infertility or insomnia they cannot see how stress plays a significant role. Low levels of stress on a daily basis lead to more susceptibility headaches, sore throats, colds and flus as well as chronic illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Stress and anxiety wreak havoc on the immune system.

Mind body: Research shows that having a mind body connection improves overall health by increasing awareness of our mental, emotional and physical state. This is something culturally men are not encouraged to do. Practices such as yoga, tai chi and qi gong are known as moving meditation and help to calm the nervous system and have better focus. It is also a way to manage stress and support healing instead of ignoring physical problems. 

Alternative and Chinese medicine: Chinese medicine includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, body work and energy healing that looks at the whole person. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to go into the natural healing state and to seek homeostasis. Seeing and alternative and Chinese medicine practitioner can teach you had to be your best health advocate and offer natural solutions to improve health and longevity.

Heart health: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the US. Men are 50% more likely to have a heart attack compared to women. Men can develop heart disease in their 40’s long before cardiovascular symptoms show up. Early signs of heart disease that may not seem related such as erectile dysfunction is one of them.

Excess weight: over 100 million Americans are considered obese and 1 in 5 deaths is related to excess weight. The myth of being overweight and fit is a myth. What is important is to look at body mass index and also at the waist measurement. Men with a waist circumference greater than 40inches are considered to have more visceral fat that contribute to heart disease, blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Excess weight also affects hormone levels and is linked to higher incidence of prostate cancer.

Drinking alcohol: Studies show alcohol is shown to suppress the immune system even in moderate amounts altering the actions of the cells.  A fever is the immune system’s response by elevating the temperature to fight off a bacterial infection or viral attack. Alcohol impairs the anti-inflammatory proteins that regulate the immune responses.

• Dehydrating: Alcohol is dehydrating. It is important to be hydrated so that your body can eliminate the toxins via sweat or urination. Sweat is the way the body cools itself down and flush the system.

• Sugar: the sugars in alcohol are linked with bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines, when someone is fighting an infection, you don’t want to create a crisis by feeding the bacteria.

• Cancer: increase risk of mouth, throat, liver and colon. 

Men have consistently higher rates of alcohol consumption and one of the most commonly abused substances. Men are more likely to binge drink compared to women, and have higher alcohol related deaths. Alcohol interferes with testicular function of male hormones that can result in impotence and infertility (a growing issue for couples trying to conceive).